What jobs are available
Inter-City, or long distance bus drivers, are a cross between urban and coach drivers. They transport bus passengers between towns or cities, but their passengers are usually New Zealanders, not international tourists looking at the scenery, and they are taking the bus as a form of long distance public transport instead of driving their own car, flying or taking a train. Inter-City Drivers must be experienced and excellent drivers, well able to handle large, modern and sophisticated vehicles over long distances while ensuring their passengers have a comfortable trip. They must also be able to drive to tight timetables and ensure passengers' luggage is well looked after.
Urban and suburban bus drivers control modern passenger vehicles along set routes to published timetables. They are in big demand. As well as being excellent drivers, able to handle powerful vehicles in sometimes tight traffic conditions, they must be mature, honest and reliable, and friendly and polite. They must be good communicators and happy to deal with the public, and be able to operate the bus’ ticketing and change-making equipment. In addition to their driving and people skills, they need to have a good understanding of the Road Code, defensive-driving techniques and transport regulations.
Without them, a lot of families would have great difficulty getting their kids to schools which are sometimes miles away. Because school bus drivers work with children, they must be very responsible and sensible – as well as being great drivers.
Coach drivers mostly work with overseas tourists. They drive the tour coaches that take tourists around the country. They need to know lots about New Zealand’s geography and history, and they must have tremendous people skills so they can deal with people from different cultures. Coach drivers often spend lots of time away from home.
